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Post by oznerol on Jun 14, 2020 14:44:08 GMT -5
WINTERFELL Was once the seat of the Boltons, it is now lost to Stannis Baratheon and the newly restored House Stark. Lord Rickon rules here, with Lord Wyman Manderly and Lord Jon Snow governing the North in his name. Winterfell is a huge castle complex spanning several acres and protected by two massive walls. There is a village outside, the winter town. Winterfell has been built around an ancient godswood and over natural hot springs. The water is piped through walls and chambers to heat them, making Winterfell more comfortable than other castles during the harsh northern winters.
Inside the walls, the complex is composed of dozens of courtyards and small open spaces. Weapons training and practice take place in those yards. The inner ward is a second, much older open space in the castle where archery practice takes place. It is located next to the broken tower. Inside Winterfell stands the inner castle, which contains the Great Keep and the Great Hall. Winterfell's towers and halls have diamond-shaped window panes.
Stark Focuses:
-Battle Focus: Improves battle rolls by 2. -Siege Focus: Gives improved siege weapons to attacking armies, such as catapults or trebuchets, which create breaches in castle walls and improve siege attack rolls by 5. -Mercenary Focus: Allows the player to summon a band of mercenaries (size subject to rolls, 1,000-1,500) once per year.
House Stark:
Eddard 'Ned' Stark (b. 263 AC, d. 299 AC), m. Catelyn Tully (b. 264 AC, d. 299 AC), five children: -Robb 'The Young Wolf' Stark (b. 283 AC, d. 299 AC), m. Jeyne Westerling. -Sansa Stark (b. 286 AC), m. Ser Harrold Arryn, one child: ->Catelyn Arryn (b. 301 AC). -Arya Stark (b. 289 AC, presumed dead 299 AC). -Brandon Stark (b. 290 AC, whereabouts uknown). -Rickon Stark, Lord of Winterfell (b. 295 AC). An illegitimate son (legitimised per his brother's will in 299 AC): -Jon Snow (b. 283 AC), m. Val, the wildling princess, one child:
->Eddard Stark (b. 302 AC)
Jon Snow, Lord Snow, Warden of the North:
Born 283 AC.
Titles: 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch (formerly), Warden of the North. Status: Sworn celibacy (formerly), now married to Lady Val of the Wildlings. Children: Eddard Stark (b. 302 AC). Sword: Longclaw.
Traits (10+5): Resilience: 5 (+2) Charisma: 3 (+1) Intelligence: 3 (+1) Authority: 4 (+1)
Core Traits: Honourable, Humble, Bold. Heritage: First Man. Reduced winter attrition (50%). Birthsign: The Ice Dragon. +1 Resilience. Bloodline: New Blood. +1 Charisma, +1 Intelligence, +1 Resilience.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jun 14, 2020 14:49:44 GMT -5
As the defeat of Bolton set in, a slow trickle of defectors began to approach the encampment of Stannis by the twin lakes. As the hours went on, droves began to appear. Men of Winterfell, Cerwyn, and Hornwood that once followed Ramsay, the Bastard of Winterfell. Remnants of the Umbers, the elderly veterans, that had escaped capture showed up among them. Yet, the greatest of defectors came in the form of Lord Rodrik Ryswell, commanding around a thousand men. He had thought long about what had occurred and decided, rightfully, to defect from Bolton's camp and knee before Stannis Baratheon. Before the encampment, Ryswell dismounted and his soldiers knelt in the snow, with Lord Rodrik following suit. Following him came Lady Dustin, another from Bolton's encampement. She too bent the knee like others. This all before Stannis marched on Winterfell.
The victory, by Stannis, had caused great ripples as those, but the firmest of supporters and men of the Dreadfort, began to defect from Roose's army, returning to their keeps or heading to swear allegiance to Stannis Baratheon in the hopes of keeping their heads, their lands, and more.
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As for Winterfell, there was nothing, no reply. Ryswell rode up to His Grace, gesturing to the walls. The Bolton banners absent now.
Your Grace, I believe Lord Bolton has abandoned Winterfell. There is likely no one here to surrender the castle save servants and peasants.
He gestures to the men of Winterfell who had surrendered, under the command of a Northmen knight, formerly affiliated with Ramsay Bolton. Likely those who had been a part of the garrison and the bits of the army that had defected. Those that remained likely followed Bolton or left the castle to return home.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 14, 2020 15:26:54 GMT -5
Those who defected to the king's camp were offered a pardon and hostages were taken. Ryswell is to give up a grandaughter and a grandson, one to be Stannis' squire and the other to become Shireen's companion and handmaid. The other lords handed relatives according to their cappacity, some delivered themselves into the king's mercy as they had no kin to join the Baratheon's entourage. However, with the heat of the battle now gone the king was lenient and merciful, showing he could reconcile who had fought him in the past.
"Move"
He said, a single sword, uttered behind teeth, that put the host in motion, at once. The columns, neatly arranged, were a sight to behold, if one was a crow, like the one flying high over their heads. The king crossed the first gatehouse atop his horse, surrounded by his men and new vassals, and unmounted in the second, handing the reins to Farring, who nodded and grabbed them. The castle was silent like a massive grave, an immense tomb where only birds and rats remained, alongside a score of the old servants that once had served Stark. The boots of many troops echo on the stone walls, soldiers and men cheering and celebrating the victory, finally, after weeks and weeks of deprivations and hardships they had seized it. Stannis walked towards the great hall and pushes the gates himself, openning with a creak. There were eight rows of oaken tables inside, all empty, with remnants of an old supper over it. Stannis clasped hands behind his back, his severe visage turning left and right; one could say he was relishing the moment. He stood next to Stark's throne, but he did not take a seat, instead he turned heels and started delivering orders once outside, squires, pages and retainers taking care they were fulfilled.
Soon enough, the crowned stag danced atop the towers and battlements, the troops took shelter inside, seeking comfort in the barracks and structures of the castle. The lords looked for rooms to occupy with their own retinues and baggage and the king himself chose Lord Stark's former chambers as his own, as long as there was no lord to claim them and as befitting a king. And, that very noon, Stannis held an audience for the first time within Winterfell's hall, willing to settle grievances, solve rivalriers and set things right within the Northernmost domain of his realm.
I have one. Six remain.
He thought, finally settling on the throne, crowned and dressed in stern black clothes, a cloak around his shoulders and Lightbringer on his lap. That day he looked every inch a king and he commanded respect. None had come to free the North from the wildlings' threat but him, none had bled to remove the usurpers but him. Stannis was the one true king and he would see himself or his blood on the throne, that was his determination and that, apparently said the flames. Scores upon scores of ravens were sent to keeps large and small across the North announcing his victory and one in particular headed North, with orders to fetch Lady Selyse, the Queen, Melisandre, the king's red shadow, and his heiress, princess Shireen of House Baratheon. He also sent word to Jon Snow about the bastard's demise and hoping that Lady Arya would arrive the Wall soon enough.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 15, 2020 9:22:49 GMT -5
The Red Woman and his household began their long trek from the Wall, word of his victory borne on swift wings to Castle Black. So too came what he believed to be the rightful Lady of Winterfell, Arya Stark, sole daughter of Eddard left alive after the War of the Five Kings. What was left of Bolton's army was crawling back to the Dreadfort in the snow, with the Ryswells, Dustins, Lockes, Cerwyns and Hornwoods having dipped their banners and bent the knee. The Clans had grumbled at the defeated giving fealty, but were placated when Baratheon showed clemency to his new bannermen. There would be no more burning, he had decided, save for those traitors that still willingly served Bolton after his force had been broken and his host scattered to the winds. Winterfell was his, the banners of the Flaming Stag hanging proudly on the battlements next to the Direwolf of House Stark, which had long since lain unused. Baratheon was alone in his chambers, looking out the narrow window as his mind was at work. It was dawn, or thereabouts, with whatever passed for the sun in this harsh land slowly climbing above the army of grey and black clouds. The King in Winterfell paced down to the Great Hall with a steely look. Men were sent to summon Manderly to speak with him, if the Mer-Man was able. Lord Too-Fat had provided more questions than answers, the King finding him to be the most devious of the normally forthright and honest Northmen. Wyman would find King Stannis prowling the Great Hall on his arrival, thick brow turned into a permanent frown as he seated himself on Lord Stark's throne.
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Post by oznerol on Jun 15, 2020 10:05:02 GMT -5
A raven arrives:
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Post by perry on Jun 15, 2020 10:08:14 GMT -5
Wyman trudged his way along, through the halls of Winterfell, a cane supporting his great girth. He thought it uncouth to demand fealty from the lord's that belonged to Rickon, but at least there had been no burnings. He vaguely recalled the last time he came to Winterfell, before Robb had died, it had been the harvest festival, and little Bran was still home. He made his way through the cold between the towers of Winterfell, the winds and ice wiping him about, even through his many animal skins and protective blubber. As summon Manderly came to the Great Keep, carved of cold granite, and caked in ice. The heat rising up from the springs warmed him as he made his way inside and into the Great Hall. He saw Stannis, seated upon the Stark throne, his blues eyes investigating him. "I would be careful, I have known four men that have sat that ancient throne, Your Grace." He did not finish the thought, that Bran, Eddard, Robb, and Rickard were no longer around to sit it. Wyman was hobbled, but seemed to be doing better. Wrapped like some great seal in furs even inside the warmth of Winterfell's halls. "You wished to speak to me?" He questioned, dabbing sweat from his forehead as he did so.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 15, 2020 10:39:30 GMT -5
”Lord Manderly.”
Stannis dourly greeted, clutching a piece of folded parchment so tightly his knuckles had turned white. The King wore his characteristic grimace, teeth firmly locked together, skin stretched tightly across muscle and bone.
”If your tall tale proves true, I shall not be sitting here long.”
The King sorely missed Ser Davos’ honesty and wise counsel. If Manderly had truly killed him, the Mer-Man would have burned as Karstark did.
”We were all misled, it seems, by Littlefinger and Bolton. The Arya Stark we found was no more than a steward’s daughter.”
Baelish. Another one who had escaped justice for his crimes. Stannis had long suspected the Valesman’s duplicity. Baratheon gave Manderly a long look.
”So, the hopes of the northmen rest on your boy lord, and my Hand. And whatever Greyjoy’s crimes, he apparently had not the wit or courage to slay the Stark boys.”
Theon was a pitiful creature, maimed and mutilated beyond recognition by Bolton. But to the Northmen, he was still a traitor. His time would come, it was only a question of when and how.
”But I did not summon you here to gossip like a fishwife. If you bring Rickon here, I shall install him as Lord of Winterfell, as is his right. I shall name a Warden of the North to rule in his stead. Then I will march south, to bring justice to the Freys and Lannisters, and the bastards born of incest that sit on my throne.”
He would expect that some Northmen would follow him for vengeance against Frey alone, but he knew better now than simply to demand the aid of these strange people. They loved Stark, and Stark only. Stannis could only hope to win their respect.
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Post by perry on Jun 15, 2020 11:02:54 GMT -5
"Surprising." Manderly said, his eyes narrowing. As he gasped a little stepping forward through the hall, toward the throne. "Theon is coward and a fool, the monster Ramsay played the turn cloak like a fiddle, or so my intelligence indicates. And the Starks being gone in the male line was a fine trick for them to play." He leaded heavily on the cane, the wood creaking beneath him. "You may think me dishonorable, King. But, everything I have done has been to pave the way for this moment, for the Starks to return home." Wyman was not jolly in this moment nor resentful, merely honest. "As long as the little lord's safety is assured I will send him here to Winterfell. I made a promise to Davos, and I intend to keep it as long as his end is upheld, in exchange for a Stark I would name you King." He shifted in place, his weight moving from one side to the other. "As to an invasion of the south, my son Ser Wylis has three thousand swords and near on a hundred ships in White Harbor, some lords will follow White Harbor to war others will follow Rickon alone. Justice is a thing many Northmen seek... Though some still worry for their families held captive by the Freys and the Iron Throne." He thought a moment. "Who is to be named warden, Your Grace? The Flints are an honorable lot in your ranks, and kin to little Rickon."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 15, 2020 12:13:48 GMT -5
Stannis said nothing, for a moment, remaining silent as he took the measure of Wyman's words.
"I took you for a traitor, Manderly, but I see now that you played me for a fool as well as Bolton."
The King looked at the Lord of White Harbour directly, his stern eyes like burnt out coals.
"I would welcome the aid of any Northman that wants vengeance and justice. I would see Lord Walder and his ilk hang from the ramparts of the Twins, as murderers and oath-breakers. I would see the Lannister Queen and her court of lickspittles and sycophants swept clean, sent to atone for their sins on the Wall."
Those ships would prove useful in transporting men south. Perhaps Dragonstone could be retaken, and used again as a base against King's Landing.
"As for the Warden of the North, Jon Snow is soon arriving in Winterfell, having captured the Dreadfort from Bolton's men. Though he is but a bastard, he is a better man than most. Either he could serve or yourself, Lord Wyman, loyal as you are to the House of Stark and more clever than I gave you credit for."
Apparently Jon had deserted, but there must be something more to it than that - Snow had been offered Winterfell and had chosen to stay on the Wall. Strange rumours had come south of him rising from the dead, work of his Red Woman, no doubt.
---
Later in the day, Stannis summons Lester Morrigen to the Great Hall.
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Post by perry on Jun 15, 2020 12:46:47 GMT -5
"Many did, your grace." He replied, bandaged chins jiggling. "Many did, because that was my intention, in order to retrieve my son and the Starks. Even if I was not bound by oath, I could never be kin to those that murdered Wendel and good King Robb. Even my own granddaughters were not privy to the deception." He let the King speak. "The Freys are a vial race, Westeros would be better off with their stain removed for good. Cersei too, her and her ilk, they killed my lord Eddard who was a dear friend and the most honorable man I have ever known. I think you will find the hate for Lannister runs deep here, they have threatened half the holds of the North personally." Once again his face was beginning to sweat, he shed a few layers and dabbed his face again. "I forget how warm the Starks always kept it here, above their spring. To answer though, I would be honored to serve, until the little lord comes of age. The Starks have no man more loyal than Wyman Manderly, truth be told I expected to die here in Winterfell. But, for some reason I have been kept alive." He replied, a smile on his face, few recognized him as clever, loyal, or brave these days. Eddard had, but the lengths he went to painted a sad picture until this day. Jon.. is indeed a good man. A bastard he was, but much like Ned in some ways. "However, I did not know he had left the Wall, I fear that his purported relationship with the Wildlings may brew tension with some Northmen, and the matter of leaving the Wall. Though in these times I can see the necessity of hard deals."
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Winterfell
Jun 15, 2020 13:05:14 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by pontifex on Jun 15, 2020 13:05:14 GMT -5
Lord Lester arrives once summoned to the great hall of Winterfell and bowed before Stannis. "Your Grace, I am yours to command."
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 15, 2020 13:17:10 GMT -5
Stannis nodded, the hint of a smile dancing across his lips, stretching the skin across his skull even further. These Northmen had a fearsome grudge against his enemies, and he would give them the chance to pay it with blood and iron.
”Eddard was a good man. He saw the truth for what it was, and died for it in that nest of rats and vipers.”
Stannis never grew to like Stark as his brother had, but the Lord of Winterfell had won his respect long ago, during the rebellion. Eddard had died trying to save Robert’s legacy, another crime the Lannisters had to answer for.
”You speak truly. But with his sister an imposter, Snow is the only kin that Lord Rickon will have left.”
Baratheon looked tired, his eyes dark and hollow in his head. It had been many weeks since he had been well rested, and his bones aches, but he remained determined.
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Post by Gandalf on Jun 15, 2020 13:23:43 GMT -5
Lord Lester arrives once summoned to the great hall of Winterfell and bowed before Stannis. "Your Grace, I am yours to command."
Stannis wore his characteristic frown. ”Secure the road south for me, and I shall see to it that you are rewarded for your loyalty.”
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Post by perry on Jun 15, 2020 13:48:42 GMT -5
"Yes, Ned knew the dangers of going south, he told me to protect and prepare the White Harbor.. though I did not know he would die down there." Wyman said solemnly. "Yes, he is. And that alone should grant him pardon for leaving the Watch, perhaps he can serve as a representative of the Wildlings? I have heard rumors that they are living south of the Wall now. It would serve stability to know that the Warden will not put wildlings first, but we will need someone to speak for them if they are to stay south of the Wall." He eyed Stannis. "You look unwell, your grace. Victory seems no substitute for rest. I brought much in the way of food on my journey North, perhaps some of it will give your strength back."
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Post by pontifex on Jun 15, 2020 16:42:22 GMT -5
Lord Lester arrives once summoned to the great hall of Winterfell and bowed before Stannis. "Your Grace, I am yours to command."
Stannis wore his characteristic frown. ”Secure the road south for me, and I shall see to it that you are rewarded for your loyalty.” "It will be done, your grace." Lester said with another quick bow. Within the hour he was headed south.
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